Although Covid 19 is still very much in our midst, we have almost begun to consider it a
thing of the past. And yet, some of the ‘new normals’ we adopted during that time still
remain, like WFH- Work(ing) From Home. At the same time, many organizations have also
implemented a hybrid system where employees can work certain days from home, and
others from office. But how is this working out?
Employers may think, and believe, that such hybrid systems are the best course to take in an
ever-changing and profit-driven world. And they may be right. Sometimes. It’s no secret that
in many organizations, working from home has been a nightmare in terms of productivity.
Employees working from home are more often doing household chores and attending to
their children rather than concentrating on work. This is not to say that every organization
that has adopted a hybrid system or a WFH system is facing these issues with every
employee. However, the situation has also not been a bed of roses. This has resulted in
employer-employee tension, work build-up, and ultimately frustration on both sides. And
what does it finally lead to? Employee dissatisfaction.
So, how do we mitigate this problem? The hybrid work system has been drawn up on the
basis that both the employer and employee save on time and money by the latter not
visiting the office every day and thus, saving the employer the money spent on certain
resources. And this may be true to a certain extent. However, if this spirals into employee
dissatisfaction, then it really saves time and money for neither party. Now, however,
companies can enjoy the best of both worlds with the simple acknowledgement that office
spaces don’t have to be the conventional spaces they used to be anymore. This saves
employers money on large office spaces and also increases employee productivity and
satisfaction, thereby leading to both a monetary and time saving for both.
The new trend in the world of work is co-working spaces. These can be rented according to
company requirements, and carry the benefits of being furnished and ready with all the
necessary amenities and equipment. These co-working spaces are chic, and are designed
with the new age in mind. Complete with common work spaces, laid-back meeting rooms
and comfortable and attractive open plans, such co-working spaces tick all the right boxes.
They allow for employee interaction, engagement and productivity. Ultimately, happy
employees are employees who will stay. Which employer doesn’t want that?
Currently, many start-ups in Sri Lanka are opting for such co-working start-up spaces that
are smaller in size, but fit the bill. Larger companies have also not been left behind. There
are so many that have chosen to move out of their expensive and old-fashioned office
spaces and move into modern, furnished co-working spaces that make work life fun and
interesting. This has resulted in a post-covid productivity boom as employees who have
borne the burden of balancing work and home while working from home, are now
rediscovering their creative energies in a space that celebrates common and individual
goals.
Meeting targets and goals are the driving force behind any company. Focusing on this gives
all stakeholders in the company the will to keep going. But a lack of joy in one’s work
journey can lead to burnout and high employee turnover. Co-working spaces tackle this
problem in the best possible way. They are ‘the new normal’ that are here to stay.
